I walked into Book Culture last night not knowing what to expect of the closing reception event for the first Independent Bookstore Week in New York City. The event description on the website for the Independent Booksellers of New York City (IBNYC) promised a charming evening of “light refreshments…live music, sales and festivities” in celebration of an exciting week of citywide author readings and festivities. It was hard to picture the quiet, fluorescently-lit bookstore with its few customers as a venue for festivities of any sort. I had my doubts, but I was prepared to be amazed, expecting a transformation of the bookstore into a warm room filled with vibrant music and eager chatter. (more…)